Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Alix Griffiths
Horses Name, Age, Breed: I'm riding a 17 year old
Thoroughbred mare "Leading Edge" AKA Ellen. Ellen and I have had a few interesting
adventures together so it was decided that we should continue to broaden our
horizons in true team effort and join the drill team. Her past includes playing
on a polo field and mine was in a much more sedate dressage ring.
How many years riding? I have been riding horses for
about 13 years. I had to convince my parents that horses were not all giant animals
that can stomp on you. All of my horse experience to date has been in an English
saddle. I used to jump until I realized my fear of heights. I've shown dressage
and English pleasure and now I'm giving things a try in a western saddle.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls and so far so good it's a BLAST!
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? Outside of the Cowgirls I enjoy riding dressage and
this year hope to give a gymkhana a try. It should be a good year of fun filled
experiences!
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? The best part of riding on the drill team is being part of a team
effort and spending time with people who are interested in seeing what they and
their horses can do.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Amanda Berkelaar
Horses Name, Age, Breed: TRS Hot Prospect AKA 'Levi'
(often referred to as Meathead or Pig), is a 7 year old sorrel appendix quarter horse
gelding. I have had Levi since he was a long yearling and he is still my baby. Levi
is my all around, drill horse, barrel horse, ranch horse, and breakaway rope horse,
as well as, trail horse and trusted companion, all rolled into one. Now that's LOVE
in the first degree!
How many years riding? Since I was about 3 years
old...that's 19 years, Y'all!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
I have been with the Cariboo Cowgirls, on and off for about 3 years but due to other
civic obligations I was not able to fully commit. This will be my first fully
'committed' year to the drill team!
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I've been trying my hand at barrel racing in the
BCRA and breakaway roping in private arenas when the opportunity arises. I hope to
get into team roping in the next year, but that will depend on whether I have the
time to get another horse ready. For the most part, I trail ride, gymkhana, cattle
sort, team pen and flat race. For the last two years I have ridden in the Williams
Lake Stampede Pony Express Race, and have plans to participate in the event this year.
Any opportunity to cowboy and chase cows and I'm gone!
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? I like riding in the drill team because it affords me the opportunity
to work on aspects of my riding that I may not normally focus on. My horse has mile
long legs and therefore has a long stride. Levi has a tendency to cover the ground and
try and overcome the other horse and rider teams. With the drill team he has to collect
himself learn and both he and I are learning to rate with that of the other horse and
riders. Levi and I are learning to be patient! 'Trust' is another huge factor I am
learning with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Many of the movements we do involve running straight
at each other or working in a very close proximity of a partnered horse and rider team
at high speeds. You learn to trust! One of the most rewarding components of the drill
team is that of the camaraderie and friendships that are built amongst the members.
I am looking forward to 'hanging' with the girls this year and creating new stories
along the way!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Amanda Monical
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Fin-tree; Fin is a 15 year old,
Registered Quarter Horse gelding.
How many years riding? As long as I can remember which is most
of my life. I grew up on a ranch and riding is an everyday occurrence and a large part of my
life! I presently work at my families ranch, so riding is pretty much a full time occupation.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my first year riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? There's never a lack of horse oriented activities to do at
home! The nature of my families business allows me to work with and on, several horses. When
I can afford the time, I participate in most gymkhana and rodeo events.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? To date, EVERYTHING! It's fun and it's fast, exactly how I love to live my
life! You are always learning something new and different and for the most part it's a
memorable experience! There are some awesome 'Cowgirls' in this group and I wouldn't want to
miss the sharing the 'experience' with them! 'Don't Even', right girls!!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Barb Brown
Barb Brown is a 2008-2009 Director of the Cariboo
Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Horses Name, Age, Breed: My first year with the
Cariboo Cowgirls I rode Glider. He's was a 13 year old Appaloosa and proved to be
an awesome drill horse! (Thank you Brenda Philips) Last year due to circumstances
beyond any of our control, I was unable to secure a satisfactory mount in time for
the performance season. Instead I focused my attention and energies on other
pertinent area's impacting the drill team that would assist in making the Cariboo
Cowgirls 2008 Performance Season a success!
This season I have been riding Misty. She is a old sorrel quarter horse mare that
has drill experience. I presently have one of my horses, Pecan an 8 year old bay
mare in training and am hopeful that she and I will make our 'Drill Debut' together
sometime during the 2009 Performance Season! So if you see a 'change in color' ...
How many years riding? Since early in my
teens, when I was a real 'youngun'... And that's all I'm going to tell you!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my third year with the Cariboo Cowgirls and I am really looking forward to
it. It's our first year as a registered Society and we haven't stopped 'breaking
new ground'. Already we're off to a great beginning!
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I like to gymkhana and trail ride when
the opportunity presents itself. I'm pretty much game for anything,
especially if it's light hearted and I can laugh.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? For me it's TOTAL SERENITY! It's a space that just
my horse and I share. Riding with the drill team is 'time out' from
work and the routine of everyday life. A good day is one I spend in
the saddle!
So Gals, lets Ride Hard and Ride Fast! Here's to another great season!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Brandy Young
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Miss Ruby Hanckock AKA 'Ruby'
is my pride and joy! Ruby is a 4 year old red roan quarter horse mare.
How many years riding? I hate to admit this especially
to the public, but it's 5o years, all my life. Oh My God, I can't believe I've told
you that!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my second season riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team. I have been with
the Club/Society for a total of 4 years now.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? Breeding quarter horses, giving clinics and private
lessons and teaching all types of equine related subjects.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? Friendships, horses, the beautiful costumes, travelling and watching
your husband smile at the performance! I'm a performer at heart and have enjoyed
showing many different breeds of horses. To see any rider go from the initial
introduction of riding to riding with a group of determined and skilled horsemen
gives me great joy, but to see all of them work as a unified 'team' striving to make
their performance exciting is AWESOME!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Janice Sapp AKA
'Grindal' (My 'Partner In Crime' is Ashley Wilson AKA 'Hazel')
Janice Sapp is the 2008-2009 President of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Horses Name, Age, Breed: CR Zans Whim
aka 'Mary' . Mary's an eight year old sorrel quarter horse mare and
she has the beauty, temperament, and attitude of a true redhead!
How many years riding? Forever, I honestly
can't remember when I didn't ride!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my third year with these gals. Prior to riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls
I rode with another drill team.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I'm pretty open to anything that's
'horse and cow' oriented. I work for BC Livestock, so both my
personal and professional life is somewhat 'cowboy acquainted'. I
try and participate in any recreational equine activities. Of course
'Hazel' and I are known for our cowboy skills and horsemanship, we've
spent many hours developing them, once we figured out just exactly
where we were (what's a day between friends!). The 'chasing of parked
cars' just came naturally to both of us! This year we have designs
to chase us a BIG diesel truck down.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? The camaraderie and all the crazy antics. I've ridden a few years
with some of these gals and I'm sure they can attest to the similarities that
Mary-Horse and I share! Though I do wonder about the similarities when the other
members refer to Mary as the 'Wild-Child'. Of course, there are those unpredictable
moments riding Mary that you never know just exactly what her 'mood' is and that
can change from one end of the arena to the other. Hey what can I say, "It adds
spice and life to the drill, after all we're both redhead's"!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Kelly Lee Marce
Horses Name, Age, Breed: For the time being I've been
riding Big Red. Red is a 16 year old, bay standardbred gelding. I am hopeful that my
6 year old bay quarter horse/arab will be ready for his debut this year. His name is
Spirit (my boy was only 6 when my mare foaled and he chose the name). I call him
Junior or JB. I have taken him in for some professional training and I hope to run
him in the Cariboo Cowgirl performances this season.
How many years riding? Since childhood, I owned my
first horse, a paint welsh X at age 12 and was hooked ever after. I have owned many
different breeds.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I think I'm well rounded in the equine activities
area. A few years back I was an owner/operator of a riding stable business. For the
most part I took tourists and visitors out on trail rides. I had wrangled on and off
for other outfits and thought that I would like to try the business experience on my
own. I enjoyed it, but soon recognized that it was less 'time and financially'
demanding to wrangle for someone else! During that same time period I trained to do
Search and Rescue on horse back. A great learning experience for both the horse and
myself. This last August I did a mountain pack trip with some friends and I really
liked that. For the most part now I pleasure and trail ride with family or friends.
I assist some of my neighbors, who are ranchers, move and bring in their cattle. When
I can I try to take in equine clinics held in our locale.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? Since I was a girl I have been madly in love with horses. From the
minute I showed up for the drill team I have taken pleasure in and benefited from the
riding experience. More so, I consider myself as a team member. There is nothing
more challenging and fulfilling than being a productive member of a team. It's
character building for the rider and the horse and the thought of both of us being
able to work together in this capacity is intoxicating to me. I view rodeo as a
"family" activity. I am now a participant and about to enjoy some serious thrills.
Yahoo!!! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
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Non Riding Member
Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Leona Davies
Leona Davies is the 2008-2009 Treasurer of the Cariboo
Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Leona is presently off on medical leave from the riding portion
of the drill team, but is still an active member in all the other disciplines that the
Cariboo Cowgirls Society partake in. Leona primary task is keeping all the girls
fiscally responsible, which is not an easy feat! The Cariboo Cowgirls are eagerly
awaiting her return as a riding member of the drill team!
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Last year I rode my 10 year
old, APHA Paint Gelding. Gotta New's Flash AKA 'Pete'. Like me, Pete sustained an
injury prior to running drill and it showed up late last summer. Both of us were
turned out in the fall at the completion of the Cariboo Cowgirl performance schedule
to heal and rest! As soon as I am physically able, I will start my four year old
register quarter horse palomino, Nugget through the paces and manoeuvres of the drill.
How many years riding? For several years,
25+ or more ...
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my second year with the Cariboo Cowgirls. My first year was in the saddle
and this year is on the ground, directing the financial business of the new Society
and assisting wherever and whatever I can.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I have roped, reined and participated in some other
timed events. Another of my passions, though of recent times I have not been able
to dedicate much time to it, is driving horses.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? I like the challenges and experiences of participating in a
'team sport'.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Lexi Colton
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Flash or Angel Horse, as she was
called by her former family, is a 25 year old grey arabian mare. I have had Angel since May
2009 and she has given me the confidence to ride with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Although, because
of her age, we don't ride the drill, we do ride in the grand entry portion of the team. I have
also started riding Gator, our 4 yr old QH gelding. His registered name is Tiny Chunk a Cash.
Hopefully he will be ready to ride the drill next year.
How many years riding? I started riding 6 years ago by
taking lessons. A year later our family bought our first horse and now we have 5. Three full
size ones and 2 miniatures.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my first year with the team. I am currently the youngest member and I am looking
forward to riding in the future years.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I like to ride in gymkhanas, trail ride, and do some small
horse shows locally. I am also very active in 4-H. I have a miniature horse that I will be
showing and next year I will be training him to drive with a cart. If I can be with horses,
I'm happy.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? I enjoy travelling to the rodeos with the ladies and either riding in the
Grand entry of being their photographer. I also realized that I like speed! Being able
to try things with my horses is fun. The team members are great.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Lindie Mitchell
Horses Name, Age, Breed: The horse I am riding is a big 4 yr
old quarter horse roan mare by the name of Ruby. She is loaned to me by my horse trainer's Brandy
and John Young. By chance John is the Cariboo Cowgirls coach! Thanks to John for his exceptional
coaching skills.
How many years riding? I have been riding for most of my life,
thanks to my Mom for always keeping me motivated!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
I am the latest addition to the Cariboo Cowgirls! So this year marks my first year.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? What little time I have outside the Cariboo Cowgirls I ride
my Quarter horse-Morgan gelding, Sky. I have owned Sky from birth so I regard him as my first
and only child (lol). I have been riding for most of my life, thanks to my mom always keeping
motivated.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? I have been riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls for the past 3 months. It has been a
n adrenaline rush! I haven't felt anything like it since I rode the roller coaster in the West
Edmonton Mall. It is so much work yet so much fun! Mostly I enjoy the team effort everyone has
to put forth in order to deliver a professional, entertaining performance for not only the
spectators but for ourselves! See ya'll at the rodeo!
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Non Riding Member
Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Lisa Manuel
Lisa is presently off on maternity leave and the Cariboo
Cowgirls are eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of the baby and Lisa's return to her
riding position.
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Misty is an 18 year
old sorrel quarter horse mare.
How many years riding?
I have been riding since before I could walk
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my second year with The Cariboo Cowgirls.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? Outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls, I like to gymkhana
and barrel race. I pretty much like just about anything that involves my horses.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? What I like best about the drill team is that everyday is new and
you are always learning something.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: D. Lynn Dent-Wilson
Lynn Dent-Wilson is the 2008-2009 Vice-President of the
Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Rat's In The Attic AKA
'Ozzie-Alex' my 8 yr old Registered Quarter Horse gelding has been my riding companion
and confidence for the past two years, but this year he has taken a 'sabbatical' from
the drill team to be schooled in another disciple by my mentors and best friends,
Sanford and Jenny Mead. The Mead's have provided me with one of their horses for
this years drill season. Buenos Sunny Jac AKA 'Honey' is an 8 yr old registered quarter
horse mare. Honey and I are both blondes, so 2009 could prove to be a very interesting
and 'challenging' year!
How many years riding? Since childhood, but I had a
long, extended break while I chased my career. I have been back riding seriously
again for about 9-10 years now.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my third season with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Each year always seems like my
first, so I am on the 'Continuous Improvement Program'!
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? Is there any such thing as spare time for other
equine activities? I understand that in judged events marking allocation is 50% on
the horse and 50% on the rider. I'm still looking for the judged event that would
best fit Ozzie Alex and me, 95% on him and 5% on how well I'm holding on! I will
try most other western equine activities when the opportunity arises. I'm not
necessarily very good at any of them, but I like to try! This year my other equine
activity is going to focus on keeping my butt in then saddle!
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? My riding skills have grown and improved considerably since I
started practicing and performing with the Cariboo Cowgirls. I can now sit down
and breathe at the same time, quite a feat for this blonde! Additionally, riding
different horses in the drill has been very beneficial to furthering my growth and
development as a rider. I have met some truly wonderful people and the exposure to
new and different environments has been a tremendous learning experience for not
only me, but for the horses I ride.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Pat Coster AKA "Granny #1"
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Dally is a 12 year old
Quarter Horse gelding 'with a wee bit of attitude'.
How many years riding? Since I was a child,
a long, L-O-N-G time ago! I'm celebrating my second childhood with my new
'entity', Granny and 'she' says years don't count!!!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This my third year with the Cariboo Cowgirl. I have ridden with drill teams for over
a decade now.
***Pat has been a Team Captain and a Coach with other drill teams and has
several years in both experience and performance riding.***
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I do ranch riding, cattle sorting and
penning. I'm pretty open to trying most things that are equine oriented.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? Learning new routines and perfecting them. The girls call me 'Hot
Granny Pat' and I love them all! I'm in it for the 'Long Ride and the Good Times''
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Shelley Colton
Horses Name, Age, Breed:
Desert Rosa, AKA Sahara, 9 year old Grey Arab mare
How many years riding?
25 years plus and I'm not saying another thing!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I enjoy riding in gymkhanas, cattle sorting and
endless trail riding. I have also tried endurance riding. My family has 2 miniature
horses which will be trained for driving and showing at AMHA events. I have been
involved with the 4-H program as a project leader for horse and dog for 5 years.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? I am looking forward to a fun filled year of learning and performing
with the Cariboo Cowgirls. I hope that working with a team will improve my horsemanship
and allow me to spend many hours in the saddle in the company of other equine
enthusiasts.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Tammy Ward
Tammy Ward is the 2008-2009 Secretary of the Cariboo
Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Horses Name, Age, Breed: Kita is a 13 year old grey
appaloosa gelding. As a horse and rider, Kita and I have been ONE since Kita was a
two year old. Kita and I have grown and learned together. I love and trust Kita
with all my heart (even with his hairless tail!).
How many years riding? I have been riding since I was
a young'in! I started doing gymkhanas and showing my little paint pony named Skipper
with the Westside Trail Riders in Kamloops. That was !*% years ago. You really didn't
think I'd tell you how many years did you....?
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my second year with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Prior to joining up with the Cowgirls,
I had 5 years experience with another drill team.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirls? In my spare time I like to trail ride, gymkhana and
do poker rides, they are awesome pastimes outside of the drill team. I like to spend
time working with my 5 year old quarter horse gelding, Skipper. I am very hopeful
to expose him to some drill this year, maybe a sponsor flag and a run through the
big arena to give him a taste what's in store for him in the years to come.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? It is so much fun, I really like the challenge of learning new
routines and riding through it with such a diverse group of ladies. It does not get
any better than being in a rodeo atmosphere, doing your part to make the event a
thrilling, eventful experience for the audience. I am also very excited about all the
new riders this year, its going to be awesome.
GO COWGIRLS GO!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Tasha Reynolds
Horses Name, Age, Breed:
Rosie is 20 year old red dunn quarter horse mare and Taz is 13 year old
Sorrel Arab gelding
How many years riding?
10 years riding experience and 4 years Drill experience...
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my first year with The Cariboo Cowgirls..
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirl? I like to ride in gymkhanas with my 4 year old
daughter and lead my 2 year old son around on ponies.
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? I like the speed and adrenaline. I like riding with a
team & travelling to rodeos.
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Non Riding Member
Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Tina Manuel
Tina Manuel is a 2008-2009 Director of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Horses Name, Age, Breed:
Not determined as yet.
How many years riding? Off and on since I was a child.
In the past few decades, it has been more 'off', than 'on', I'm afraid. I have been
off raising my family, so there was not a lot of extra time to spend on riding. The
kid's are pretty much grown now so I thought it is time I got back to in the saddle
myself.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my third year with the Cowgirls. My first two years were spent with my two
feet on the ground! I was part of the ground crew, lending assistance where I could.
My youngest daughter, Skyla, rode with the Cowgirls, so that was how I got my
'Introduction'. I am hoping to be able to run some of the Sponsorship / Event flags
this year and work my way up to a drill rider in the years to come.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirls? Trails riding, gymkhanas and the likes. I am community
minded so I contribute a fair bit of my personal time to the organizational component
of our local riding club, the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo, co-ordinating youth gymkhana's
and other equestrian events.
Over the last few years I experienced my first cattle round up in the company of some
of the cowgirls. It was an awesome experience. Thanks Ashley and Janice (aka 'Hazel'
and 'Grindal')!! I'm a bit disappointed though, as they didn't teach me how to chase
parked cars. I am somewhat curious about that technique ... maybe they will share
the 'SECRET' and show me this year!!
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? Everyone on the team and everything I am learning. I am going to
start planning my 'second childhood' and ride as hard and fast in this 'second'
life!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Wendy Pinchin
Horses Name, Age, Breed:
Joshuas Rebel AKA 'Burt'. Burt is a 14 year old registered quarter horse, he's just
a cool dude. Aside from my husband, he's the love of my life.
How many years riding?
About 20 years off and on, but since I moved to the Cariboo in 2006 mostly on.
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my 1st year, but I think I'll be a lifer.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirls? I gymkhana, do the Pony Express, trail ride and
just about anything horse related
What do you like best about riding in a drill
team? There's not much I don't like about being with the team, the people
are great and it's challenging to say the least. In a few short months I have made
some really great friends you guys can't get rid of me now....HA!
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The next five are part of the Team too - they hold the
Cariboo Cowgirls together and help them to look great!
Cariboo Cowgirl's Coach Name:
Brenda Philips
How many years riding and or coaching?
I have been riding pretty much all my life. When I was 10, I became a Williams Lake
Trail Riders member and started doing gymkhana's then progressed to rodeo. When I
was 16, I showed in both the English and Western disciplines and after a few years
returned to rodeo. For the last several years I have been involved in horse activities
of some sort to try and encourage young or old riders to be involved in the "World
of Horses" My motto is, 'Next to your dog, your horse is your best friend'!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
This is my third year with the girls. I got involved when one of the gals required
a drill horse to participate. I was able to lend her my quarter horse Appaloosa,
'Glider' for the season. Apparently it was the right thing to do because I am still
involved!
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirls? Well, I have 7 horses, so my primary equine activity
is 'Equine Feeding and Shovelling…..#101' or more eloquently put, 'Equine Management
and Supervision' (that's the 'politically correct' description!!). I enjoy poker
rides, trail rides, gymkhanas and the likes. Heck, I just like to participate!
What do you like best about working with the
Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team? I really do like the ground work and the
coaching. It's a real sense of accomplishment to see it ALL come together. The
horse and riders are so individualistic and diverse from one another and yet they
all strive to accomplish the same goal together. When you see them work towards
that goal you tell yourself "This is what it's all about". It's a pleasure to work
with such a group of talented riders and their mounts.
The Cariboo Cowgirls are pleased to have Brenda Philips return
to them for a second year. Brenda's good nature, helpful approach and consistent
coaching instruction has a positive influence on the Cariboo Cowgirls. Brenda brings
out the 'TEAM' in the Cariboo Cowgirls!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Coach Name:
John Young
How many years riding and or coaching?
I have been making a living with horses in one form or another since I was in my
early teens. Back then my goal was to work on the six largest ranches in the world
and learn something from each place. I think I achieved that goal. Because of my
undaunted personal commitment and goals from such a early age to work in the horse
industry I have traveled to most continents in the world in order to further develop
my knowledge, skill and most of all, exposure to every horse related venue that I
could involve myself with. The coaching end of it just 'happened along somewhere
in my adventures' and meshed in with all my activities and experiences.
I have been very fortunate to understudy and work with very good teachers, trainers
and role models through out my career. Of course, the life style I chose made settling
in any location for any amount of time, impossible. My wife and I have moved to so
many locations throughout North America, that I have lost count!
How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls?
In or around 2003, I was approached to provide technical and safety input to the Six
Pack Drill Team. It continued from there, both in my involvement and input and that
of the drill team dynamics. Within a few years, there was a merger of existing
drill teams in the area and the Cariboo Cowgirls were 'born' from that union. There
has been significant growth, direction and change since the birth of the Cariboo
Cowgirls.
What other equine activities do you do outside of
the Cariboo Cowgirls? In the last decade, my wife and I started to focus
on cow horse breeding. It has always been an interesting facet to me. We decided
to settle in an area that would allow us to continue with a reputable breeding program
and enjoy a less hectic, transient lifestyle. We now focus our energy on our
registered Quarter horse breeding program for production cow horses. In addition to
foals we raise and sell, I have a yearling and two-year training program. The Cowgirls
take up 99% of my extra circular time so there isn't much time left at the end of the
day!
What do you like best about working with the
Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team? The 'Completion and Accomplishment' has always
been the best part for me. The fact that you can take raw talent of any form and
develop and work with it until it becomes a 'creation'. I relate it to that of making
a movie. You make or take ideas and match it with horses and riders instead of actors.
Your goal is to make it entertaining for both the horse and riders to do and the
public to view. I take great pride in the girls with their goals and accomplishments.
As individuals they not only work hard to make it a good solid performance, but a 'Team
Effort' where everyone is included. To me that's what coaching is suppose to signify.
The Cariboo Cowgirls are very fortunate to have the continued
and devoted coaching skills of John Young. John provides the team with his well-rounded
knowledge in multiple disciplines of riding style, equine training and management.
John's learned horse and rider skills accompanied with his sound equine knowledge
lend them selves to escalating and honing the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society
style and skill. The Cariboo Cowgirls refer to John as the 'Lion Tamer', as there
isn't to many men that are willing to step into an arena filled with aggressive,
energetic women and there mounts!
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Cariboo Cowgirl's Seamstress
Name: Shirley Price
'Cariboo Cowgirls Designer' Shirley Price is the costume
seamstress! It's Shirley that puts the 'Razzle, Dazzle, and Glitter' into
what the Cariboo Cowgirls wear. The first photo here is of
Shirley and the next three are some of the examples of Shirley's wonderful work.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's "All Around Guy" Name:
John Pinchin
John Pinchin, is the Cowgirls "All Around Guy". Since the beginning of this years
season John has been the Cariboo Cowgirls Mascot! He has a happy, uplifting and
positive attitude and he supports all the girls in what ever requires doing, be it
hauling, shovelling, selling 50/50, or just 'managing the tasks at hand'! John's
dedication and helpfulness makes the Cariboo Cowgirls lives in general a whole lot
easier.
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Cariboo Cowgirl's "Salt of the Earth"
Name: Mary Cowley
Mary Cowley, is the "Salt of the Earth". Mary has an uncanny
ability to make it seem "Okay". She calls everyone "Sunshine"
and doesn't realize that the Cowgirls shine so bright because of her aura
that radiates off them. As well as supplying "Sunshine", Mary does just about
everything else, too: She mucks stalls, brushes horses, runs and fetches, sells 50/50
tickets, babysits, and above all else, no matter how bad it is, she always finds
the positive and loves each team member no matter what.
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The Photograhers!
Names: Sue Thomson, Linda Kenick, Krista Kay, Cassandra Carr, Tommy
Engebretson, Craig Smith, Peter Castonguay, Don Datoff, Jesse Madden, and Margaret
Vanderburgh
A BIG thank you to the Photographers! Sue Thomson, Linda Kenick, Krista Kay,
Cassandra Carr, Tommy Engebretson, Craig Smith, Jesse Madden, and Peter Castonguay are
professional
photographers - so look them up when you're looking for that "special photo"!
Don Datoff, and Margaret Vanderburgh are friends of the Team and came out to take photo's
to help the team. Can you imagine this web site or the
Cariboo Cowgirls Team brochure without the great photos that enhance them?
Return to index
Cariboo Cowgirl's Video Crew
Name: The Ward Family
The Ward Family has dedicated hours video taping practices and runs so that the Cowgirls
can use the video's as a learning and training tool to continue to hone their craft.
Some of these are also available for the public to see on YouTube.
Eagleview Williams Lake (2008).
Williams Lake Stampede (2008).
Princeton Rodeo (2008).
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Williams Lake, BC
Details Here
Alix Griffiths
Amanda Berkelaar
Amanda Monical
Barb Brown
Brandy Young
Janice Sapp
Kelly Marce
Leona Davis
Lexi Colton
Lindie Mitchell
Lisa Manuel
Lynn Dent-Wilson
Pat Coster
Shelly Colton
Tammy Ward
Tasha Reynolds
Tina Manuel
Wendy Pinchin
